Celebrating Father’s Day: A Cultural Kaleidoscope

Father’s Day Across The Globe

Every year, Father’s Day provides a wonderful opportunity to honour our dads, stepdads, and father figures, to acknowledge their love, support, and the significant roles they play in our lives. Although the sentiment of celebrating fatherhood is universal, the way it is celebrated varies across cultures. Here at giftbasket.com.au, we’re fascinated by these cultural differences and want to take you on a journey around the world to see how Father’s Day is celebrated in different cultures.

 

Australia: A Springtime Tribute

In Australia, Father’s Day falls on the first Sunday of September, a lovely spring day. Aussies typically celebrate the day by giving their fathers or father figures thoughtful gifts and cards, often handmade by the younger ones. It’s not unusual to see families enjoying a BBQ in their backyard, spending quality time with dad or treating him with a morning brekkie in bed. This year, consider gifting a personalised father’s day hamper, filled with his favourite goodies from our extensive range at giftbasket.com.au.

 

Germany: Mannertag (Men’s Day)

In Germany, Father’s Day or ‘Vatertag’ coincides with Ascension Day (the 40th day after Easter), a public holiday. However, the more commonly celebrated is ‘Mannertag’ (Men’s Day). German men, particularly fathers, celebrate by taking part in hikes pulling wagons filled with beer and traditional regional food. Although it started as a celebration of fatherhood, over time, it has evolved to appreciate all men, regardless of their paternal status.

 

Thailand: A Royal Celebration

Thailand’s Father’s Day falls on December 5th, the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thai people honour their fathers and the King’s memory by gifting their fathers a Canna flower, considered a masculine flower in Thai culture. The day is marked by grand festivities, including spectacular firework displays and the release of thousands of lit lanterns into the night sky.

 

Japan: A Day ofGratitude

In Japan, Father’s Day or ‘Chichi no Hi’ is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. It is not a national holiday, but is widely recognised. Japanese children express their gratitude towards their fathers by presenting them with handmade gifts or sweets. These gifts often feature roses, as they are considered the official flower of Father’s Day in Japan.

 

United States: Cards, Gifts, and Family Outings

In the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June, and it became an official holiday in 1972. Similar to Australia, this day is marked by giving gifts, cards, and spending quality time with fathers. Many families celebrate with activities such as barbecues, picnics, or outings to the ballpark. Children often create homemade gifts and cards expressing their love and appreciation.

 

Nepal: A Touch to the Forehead

Nepal’s Father’s Day or ‘Buwaako mukh herne din’ roughly translates to ‘day of looking at father’s face’. This celebration is unique and touching, where children touch their foreheads to their father’s feet as a mark of respect, receive their blessings and offer delicacies. It’s a day of paying homage and demonstrating gratitude to fathers and father figures.

 

Mexico: A Day of Race

Father’s Day in Mexico is quite festive and unique, celebrated on the third Sunday of June. Apart from the usual gift-giving and special meals, a popular event called ‘Carrera Día del Padre 21K’ or ‘Father’s Day 21K Race’ is held in Mexico City. Fathers across the country participate in this event to demonstrate strength and endurance.

 

Argentina: Saint Joseph’s Day

Father’s Day in Argentina is observed on the third Sunday of June, similar to many other countries. The day was originally celebrated on Saint Joseph’s Day, 19th March, following the Catholic tradition. But it was later moved to June. The day involves family gatherings, gifts, and special meals for the fathers. Often, children write letters expressing their love for their fathers.

 

South Africa: Braai Day

South Africans celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June. South Africans often spend the day in the outdoors, enjoying the winter sunshine. It’s customary for many to host a ‘braai’, or barbeque, honouring the paternal figures in their lives. The aroma of grilling meat and the warmth of a family gathering make this celebration a memorable one.

In France, Father’s Day, known as ‘Fête des Pères’, is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. It wasn’t until 1952 that the day was officially celebrated in France, initiated by a lighter company trying to boost sales. Now, children often present their fathers with drawings or small gifts, while adult children might gift more extravagant items or arrange special outings.

 

China: A Day of Double Celebrations

China celebrates Father’s Day on August 8th, as the word for eight in Chinese, ‘ba’, sounds similar to ‘baba’, meaning ‘dad’. This makes Father’s Day in China a day of double celebrations. While it’s not a public holiday, it is increasingly recognised, especially in urban areas. Traditionally, children gift their fathers with handcrafted items expressing love and gratitude.

 

Spain: Honouring Saint Joseph

In Spain, Father’s Day or ‘El Día del Padre’ is celebrated on March 19th, Saint Joseph’s Day. St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ, is honoured on this day, and by extension, all fathers. It is a public holiday in certain regions of Spain. Children usually present their fathers with gifts and handwritten notes, while families attend church and enjoy a festive meal together.

 

United Kingdom: Flowers and Tea

Father’s Day in the United Kingdom is observed on the third Sunday in June. The celebrations are quite similar to Australia and the United States, with cards, gifts, and family outings marking the day. However, a British tradition that stands out is the giving of roses. A red rose signifies a living father, while a white one is in memory of a deceased father. Many families also celebrate with a special ‘Father’s Day tea’, which includes sandwiches, scones, cakes, and, of course, tea.

 

Celebrate Father’s Day Your Way

In every corner of the globe, Father’s Day offers an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate our fathers and the father figures who have positively influenced our lives. We may celebrate in different ways, reflecting our diverse cultures and traditions, but the heart of the matter remains the same — our fathers are special, and they deserve to be celebrated. And a beautiful gift basket from giftbasket.com.au is a great way to add to these celebrations, no matter where in the world you might be. Here’s to dads everywhere, and the countless ways we celebrate them!